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Experienced, Tough, and Creative Litigators: Barry Helfand, David Martella, David Helfand, Raquel Smith

Our team of lawyers has over 60 years of collective years of courtroom experience helping people seek justice when disaster strikes by way of an arrest, serious personal injury or civil litigation. A person in a difficult situation needs someone with the experience to identify the opportunities and challenges that are ahead, as well as the integrity to make an honest assessment of what is required to achieve results. Practicing primarily in Maryland, we represent individuals charged with everything from DUI offenses to the most serious criminal felonies, with potential life sentences. Being the target of a criminal investigation or prosecution can be a life altering experience. A criminal conviction threatens your freedom, your family, your livelihood, and reputation. As former prosecutors, we know how the lawyers for the government prepare their cases and make decisions about who, and who not, to prosecute. Because we are going to court on an almost daily basis, our attorneys keep current on changes in the law, as well as all the things “they don’t teach you in law school”: the options being offered to resolve cases; the types of evidence being collected by the police; the cases that are attracting favorable or unfavorable media attention; the attitudes of the different judges, prosecutors, and police officers.

We use our same litigation experience to vigorously represent those who have been injured through the negligent, reckless, or intentional acts of others. If you have been injured, we hope you are well on your way to recovery. However, you should not presume that your recovery should be paid for out of your own pocket, or by your health insurance. Nor should you expect that the other person’s insurance company is interested in paying everything you are entitled to for your injuries, your lost time from work, the interference with your family life, and the pain, suffering, and aggravation you have had to endure. Our attorneys will work with you to make sure you take advantage of every possible option to make sure you are adequately compensated for the harm you or a loved one has suffered.

Aside from criminal defense and personal injury litigation, we assist individuals in a wide variety of problem-solving for difficult situations. We are regularly called on to help people with issues related to:

  • MVA suspensions and revocations of driver’s licenses
  • Suspension and revocation of business and professional licenses.
  • Criminal investigations prior to the issuance of charges.
  • Lawyer and judge disbarment or sanctions for professional misconduct.
  • Post-conviction remedies for closed criminal convictions.
  • Modifications of prior sentences.
  • Violation of probation proceedings.
  • Appeals from criminal convictions and civil judgments.
  • Contract and civil disputes
  • Domestic violence
  • Sex offender registry issues

If you are looking for experienced help with serious problem, call us for phone or office consultation. Most of our in-office consultations are free of charge. Our offices are conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland, just off of I-270.

We are proud that many of our cases are referred to us by judges, prosecutors, police officers, and politicians who have seen us work in the courtroom and secure favorable outcomes for our clients. Please call us for a consultation at Barry Helfand, David Helfand, David Martella, and Raquel Smith (301) 251-9001.

Dear Dave: “Thanks for all your hard work on my behalf. I was fortunate to have someone as skillful as you arguing my case. I admire your tenacity and it was great to see you in action in the courtroom.” — A Client, January 2015.
Washingtonian Magazine named David Martella as one of Maryland’s top attorneys for criminal defense in 2013. He is rated as one of Maryland’s “Superlawyers” for 2014.
Barry Helfand and David Martella are former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorneys, who have successfully represented thousands of clients in a wide variety of legal problems, including personal injury claims, misdemeanor and felony criminal charges, traffic citations, and other cases that require intelligent, creative, and aggressive litigation.
“His client roster is a who’s who of the famous and infamous.” — The Washington Post
“Such creative courtroom techniques” “a reputation as one of the most effective defense lawyers in Montgomery County, if not the most flamboyant in the Washington area.” —The Washington Times
We accept Mastercard and Visa, and have flexible payment options to fit almost any budget.
Court case records that years ago used to be filed away in the basement of a courthouse are now publicly accessible online to employers, insurance companies, real estate companies, landlords, and mischief-makers. Contact us to discuss how to protect your reputation.
Criminal and civil marijuana charges create court records that employers may rely on in making decisions that could affect your future. Contact us to discuss any drug related offense that you have been accused of.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Maryland, important decisions may have to be made within 10 days of your arrest to protect your right to drive. Call us today for a free phone or office consultation.
Many police cars are now equipped with video recording equipment that has helped exonerate clients accused of DUI charges and other offenses. It is important to find out if a video exists in your case.

FAQs

What should I do if I’ve been injured in an accident?
If you or a family member has been injured in an accident, you should seek advice from a personal injury lawyer to determine if you have a personal...
Why is it important to seek advice from a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible?
There are several reasons that make it important to talk to your personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following an accidental injury. For...
What should I do when I am contacted by an insurance company?
If you were injured and are contacted by an insurance company you should not discuss your injury or any facts about the accident until after you have...

Client Reviews

"I have watched Mr. Helfand in trial and in negotiations. He is remarkable. Mr. Helfand is extremely knowledgeable in the law, and even more knowledgeable in the ways to deal with people."

Afshin Pishevar, Criminal Defense Attorney

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Helfand for many years. We have worked together on cases and represented conflicting parties. I have watched Mr. Helfand in trial and in negotiations. He is remarkable."

David Felsen, Criminal Defense Attorney

"It’s one of the biggest cases that’s been tried in Montgomery County in a long time,” said Steve VanGrack, a Rockville lawyer considering a Democratic bid for state’s attorney."

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Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Over 60 Years of Combined Experience
  3. 3 Former Maryland Assistant State's Attorneys
Fill out the contact form or call us at (301) 251-9001 to schedule your free consultation.

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